Readers' Choice Readers’ Choice 2020: Jewish Preschools Facebook Twitter Email SMS WhatsApp Share By J. Staff | October 1, 2020 < Go back to Readers’ Choice 2020 Listings SAN FRANCISCO JCC of San Francisco Claude and Louise Rosenberg Early Childhood Center (415) 386-4990 • jccsf.org/preschools Housed in a beautiful, historic landmark building with a front yard, vegetable garden, spacious play yard and cozy, inviting rooms, the preschool is a community of learners with children, families and educators as partners. Children have joyful experiences that encourage their development of knowledge and self-esteem. Inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach and guided by Jewish values and culture, the preschool’s mission is to create an environment where each child develops a greater sense of self, a respect for others, and a lifelong love of learning. EAST BAY Gan Avraham Preschool Oakland (510) 763-7528 • tbaoakland.org/education/gan-avraham Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland hosts the Gan Avraham preschool, known for the secure, rich environment in which children ages two to five can develop both socially and with a love of learning. Historically the preschool has had the benefits of teacher longevity, with many boasting more than 10 years at the school. Core values are Kehillah/Community, B’tzalem Elohim/Image of God, Kavod/Respect and Shalom Kitah/peaceful classroom. Gan B’nai Shalom Walnut Creek (925) 934-9446 • bshalom.org Preschool for ages 12 months to 5 years is housed in Congregation B’nai Shalom, a Conservative synagogue in Walnut Creek. Extensive programs include family programs, parents’ night out, and enrichment programs. The enrichment classes cover various interests and include cooking, soccer, movement, art, and Hebrew. Enhancing childrens’ growth opportunities are those projects that focus on creative arts, science exploration, critical thinking activities and dramatic play. Lovely outside areas offer opportunities for playtime. SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA Peninsula JCC Foster City (650) 378-2670 • pjcc.org/preschool Now accepting registrations for their preschool, the Peninsula JCC features a play-based learning environment, supported by the most current child development research, and engages minds by sparking creativity, curiosity and imagination. In addition to regular preschool are weekly special-interest classes for children ages 3-5 in three sessions during the school year, a wonderful addition to the basic program, with activities including soccer, science, cooking, dance and art. Oshman Family JCC Leslie Family Preschool Palo Alto (650) 223-8788 • paloaltojcc.org/preschool Once again making the ranks of Readers’ Choice, the OFJCC preschool provides infant-toddler playgroups, both full- or part-time preschool in a Jewish, play-based preschool inspired by a constructivist and innovative approach to education. The program for ages 18 months to 5 years fosters Jewish values and traditions while honoring individuality and welcoming and respecting all religions, backgrounds and cultures. It also offers joyful camps as well as a Hebrew immersion option. NORTH BAY Osher Marin JCC San Rafael (415) 444-8162 • marinjcc.org/preschool-main The program pulls inspiration from the philosophy and educational practices of Reggio Emilia and has a full complement of offerings, including a toddler program, preschool and pre-K (Transitional Kindergarten). Provides engaging indoor and outdoor spaces that provoke wonder, curiosity, intellectual engagement, creativity and fun. Curriculum is built on the foundation of the image of the child as a competent and capable individual with the potential to construct his or her own knowledge about the world. Ages 18 months to 5 years. < Go back to Readers’ Choice 2020 Listings J. Staff Also On J. Sports Giants fire Jewish manager Gabe Kapler after disappointing season Bay Area Dianne Feinstein, longest-serving woman in senate, dies at age 90 Politics Biden administration plan to combat antisemitism launches at CJM Northern California Antisemites target El Dorado supes over 'Christian Heritage Month' Subscribe to our Newsletter Enter Email Sign Up